Company News
Results of our 2021 Tool Survey
Our September 2021 Tool Survey asked Canadian woodworkers and DIYers about some of their tool buying habits. A total of 2,391 people completed the survey.
58% of respondents spent under $500 on tools over the PAST 12 months, while 21% spent up to $750. A further 21% spent over $750.
When asked how much they would spend on tools over the NEXT 12 months the results were very similar – 56% would spend under $500, 26% up to $750 and 18% would spend over $750.
We asked people what kind of research they did before buying a new tool. 75% preferred to visit a retail store to examine the tool. 66% visit the manufacturer’s website for product information, while 61% read magazine and online reviews of the tool. Just under 30% sought advice on woodworking forums while only 17% relied on advice from social media sites.
2021 Tool Survey
We were interested in knowing what the most important factors are when respondents decided to purchase a tool. 70% said the most important factor was the perceived value (e.g., Quality, Durability, Features) of the tool. 67% said the company (or brand) reputation was crucial, while 66% said price was the most important factor. Other important considerations are warranty/return policy (49%), magazines or online reviews (35%) and recommendation from friends (29%).
Finally, we wanted to know the most common method of purchasing tools. The vast majority of respondents (65%) choose to purchase at big Box Retailers (e.g., Home Hardware, Home Depot, Canadian Tire). 38% choose to shop in person at tool & machinery retailer outlets. Only 13% prefer to shop from tool & machinery retailer outlets online, while the same percentage (13%) purchased from major online company (e.g., Amazon, eBay, newegg). Only 5% purchased directly from manufacturers.
Respondents to the survey also told us what they felt were the most important hand tools, power tools and machinery.
The most important hand tools:
Hammer 21.2%
Hand saw 14.6%
Hand plane 14.0%
Chisels 12.3%
Screwdriver 10.4%
Measuring tools 10.0%
Square 7.1%
Other hand tools 10.5%
The most important hand held power tools:
Drill/driver 59.1%
Impact driver 13.8%
Sander 8.6%
Circular saw 7.9%
Router 6.0%
Other saws 4.6%
The most important stationary or benchtop tools:
Table saw 60.5%
Mitre saw 13.6%
Drill press 9.7%
Bandsaw 7.0%
Thickness planer 3.9%
Lathe 2.9%
Jointer 2.1%
CNC 0.3%
Prize Winner
As a ‘thank-you’ for completing the survey all respondents were entered into a draw to receive an impact driver kit (model DTD171Z), courtesy of Makita Canada. The lucky winner is Satinder R from Calgary AB.
